Advani had recommended the name of Justice Hegde for President post

Published: Monday, June 16, 2008, 20:34 [IST]

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Mangalore, June 16 (UNI) Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha L K Advani today revealed that he had recommended the name of former Supreme Court Judge Justice K S Hegde for the post of President of India with the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

Justice Hegde had deserved the highest honour for his deep concern for upholding the dignity of the Supreme Court and the democracy of the country, he added.

Recollecting his association after inaugurating the launch of year long celebration of birth Centenary of K S Hegde organized by Nitte Education Trust (NET), the senior BJP leader said that however, ultimately the name of N Sanjeev Reddy was finalized for the post.

He said that there were many people with whom he (Mr Advani) had worked long time who had influenced his life and political career.

"But late Justice Hedge was one among those extraordinary people with whom he had not worked long time but have greatly influenced his life," he added.

It is important to follow the life of Justice Hegde who not only worked with commitment for the normal health of the judiciary but also a person belonging to life of the public having highest regard for the welfare and concern for the country, he added.

Mr Advani said that Justice Hegde along with other two Judges- Justice A N Grover and Justice J M Shelat created history by resigning in protest against the appointment of a junior judge A N Ray as the Chief Justice of the Apex Court superseding them.

He said that Justice Hegde instead of staying in the national capital after resignation involved actively himself in the promotion of education in his own village Nitte where he started a small school which had now grown into several educational institutions and further grown to the level of Deemed University. "I always had his (Justice Hegde) guidance in my political career and during any crises. Justice Hegde was a great patriot, public servant and great son of Karnataka.

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Y V Chandrachud said that Justice Hegde was committed to his work and took it as his mission of his life, heart and soul.

Former Attorney General of India Soli J Sorabji, who also spoke recollected his association with Justice Hegde.